Do you agree with MPs getting a pay rise? Take our poll and have your say - The Mirror

MPs are set for a 2.8% pay rise, pushing their salaries to a not-to-be-sniffed-at £93,904 for the coming financial year - and we want to know if you think it's deserved

MPs are getting a 2.8% pay bump for the next financial year, meaning their salaries will hit £93,904 – just shy of £100,000! And it all comes after a 5.5% rise only last year, which took them to £91,346.

The question of whether MPs actually deserve such a rise always sparks debate. On one hand, many argue they work long hours, handle a heavy workload, and make crucial decisions that impact the entire country. With responsibilities ranging from constituency work to scrutinising legislation, their jobs certainly come with significant pressure.

On the other hand, critics might say that, given the current economic climate and public sector struggles, MPs’ pay rises may feel disconnected from the hardship huge numbers of us face on a daily basis. With many public sector workers facing pay freezes or cuts, some could argue that a further increase for politicians seems out of touch, particularly when they're already among the highest-paid public servants. So we want to know if you agree with MPs getting a pay rise? Take our poll below and if you can't see it, click here.

The body responsible for setting MPs’ salaries - the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) - gave the go ahead to this latest increase, which matches the same raise given to other public sector workers, like NHS staff and teachers. IPSA takes a lot of factors into account when deciding the figures – including national pay trends, its own principles, and the broader economic picture. When IPSA first announced the 2.8% figure, Richard Lloyd OBE, IPSA's Chair, said: “IPSA has been responsible for deciding MPs’ pay since 2011.

"Since then, our aim has been to make fair decisions on pay, both for MPs and the public. Our pay proposal for 2025-26 reflects the experience of the wider working public sector population, and recognises both the vital role of MPs and the current economic climate.”

Many argue that MPs' pay should be competitive in order to entice the best minds to run for Parliament but others think the current salary is more than enough. As well as the current £91k salary, MPs also receive expenses to cover the costs of running an office, employing staff, a place to live in either London or in their constituency, and travel expenses for travelling between Parliament and their constituency. In addition, if an MP has another job on top of being a member of parliament, such as Chair of a committee or as Speaker, they receive an extra salary on top of their MP income.

In December, NHS workers and teachers responded with fury after a pay rise of 2.8% was proposed by ministers - sparking fears the country could descend into strikes again. Unions hit out at the proposal being not only low but unfunded, meaning public services would have to make cuts elsewhere to fund it.

Unison trade union said the proposed rise was "barely above the cost of living", while teachers' union the Association of School and College Leaders said the news was "extremely disappointing". Nurses said the “offensive” pay rise was worth as little as £2 extra a day - “less than the price of a coffee” - and puts the government’s hopes of rebuilding the NHS in jeopardy. And it was warned it means "there could well be more" strikes if the problems are not resolved.

In the end, it’s a complicated issue. While MPs' roles are undeniably demanding, there’s an ongoing conversation about whether their pay should be adjusted based on public sentiment or broader economic conditions. As with any pay rise debate, it’s a balancing act between recognising hard work and maintaining fairness in an increasingly unequal economic landscape.

So with all this in mind, do you agree with MPs getting a pay rise? Vote in our poll and let us know how you feel in the comments below.